The History of Paddling

In this guide to paddles we thought pertinent to start with the history of paddling Like a lot of BDSM toys, the paddle that we use now has a horrible history with it originating in the slave trade as a way punish, discipline and control the slaves. It was used as it was a harsh punishment but wouldn’t irreparably leave damage, as such was more often used on women and child slaves. From there is trickled down into the schooling system as a way to control and punish children. This barbaric use has now been outlawed in most of the western world. The BDSM community has taken ownership of paddles and they are a part of most player's play kits.

What are Paddles made from?

Paddles can be made of many things including, but not limited too, wood, metal, hard plastic, rubber and leather. In most sex stores you can find an interesting array of different paddles all with different textures. Here you can see an example of a few.

1. A simple wooden paddle, this type has a large surface area and flat surface, this will leave a stingy feeling when used.
2. This is a leather paddle with studs. Paddles like this will have leather on the outside and layers inside including something rigid as a core to give it some strength; this could be a metal core, plastic, wood or cardboard. One side has protruding studs that will leave indentations, marks or make somebody bleed when used hard enough. It is not made for the purpose of making somebody bleed through, it is just meant to be a different sensory experience.
3. This is a type of cut out paddle, these cut outs can be in leather, like here, wood or rubber too. They look good and for some can leave a mark with the word that is cut out on the skin.

How To Safely Paddle Someone

All paddles are made with different sensations and textures in mind. I personally own one that is made of solid metal and then another wooden one that has soft fur on one side. 3 completely different feels, metal, wood and fur; but all equally as fun.

You can use a paddle on a few areas of the body, I have made a quick Green (Yes) Red (No) Orange (maybe) picture for basics. There are finer details once you get more experienced but for now these are the areas.

What you are aiming for are areas with big muscle surfaces. What we aren’t looking for are areas with major organs. Yes, you are hitting outside the body, but, if you hit hard enough on areas with major organs you can cause a lot of issues especially down the road after years of it happening. When ever you are playing safety is paramount, protect your bottom by aiming for the green areas. The other thing you need to remember with paddles, particularly paddles that are hard.

Impact Play No Go Zones

When an immovable object meets an unstoppable force; disasters can happen. What I mean by this is if a wooden paddle (unstoppable force) is swung and meets, let’s say somebodies spine (immovable object) then you could fracture, break, disable or kill that person. Bones can not move like skin, fat and muscle does to absorb the impact. Bones break. Like hitting a brick wall with a brick, sooner or later one or both will sustain damage.

So it is best to stick to the green areas. Orange areas are orange because you sometimes can and sometimes can’t. For example somebody with ample breast tissue would be able to handle a few hits from a paddle as long as the paddle doesn’t deviate from the breast on to the chest plate. A flatter chest doesn’t have this cushioning; so, I would advise against it. The other thing to take into account is what the paddle is made out of a floppy leather paddle would be fine to use, but a hard wooden one risks hurting the receiver.

How to Store My Paddles:

Storage is pretty easy with these guys, as long as they aren’t in moisture where mould could grow on them; they’re pretty happy. I have some that I keep in draws and others I keep hung by the string or loop on the handle. Care is very similar they generally just need a wipe down and they’re fine. If you are using them with more than one person you will need to use alcohol to wipe them down between people and this can over time affect the leather or lacquer on the wood.

I would recommend a leather conditioner for the leather paddles and a sanding and re-varnishing for the wood when needed. Please also remember that if you use a paddle until blood is drawn, that paddle can not be cleaned 100% again. There are so many little grooves and areas for the blood to get into. Do not use a paddle that has blood on it with a different bottom.

Conclusion:

I hope you enjoy paddles as much as I do. If you would like to look at some of the paddles we have available click here or head into store and have a look around.

TL;DR:

• Paddles have a dark history in the slave trade and were used to discipline and control slaves.
• Paddles can be made of various materials and have different textures for different sensations.
• Green areas on the body are the safest to hit with a paddle, avoiding major organs.
• Hard paddles like those made of metal, wood, or plastic can cause serious injury and should be used with caution.
• Paddles should be stored in a dry place and wiped down after use.
• Bloodstained paddles cannot be fully cleaned and should not be shared with other partners.
• Paddles can be a fun addition to BDSM play when used safely and responsibly.